asked in various ssc exams (updated till cgl t1, 2016 ... · various examination held by ssc. some...

Idioms & Phrases

Asked in various SSC exams (updated till – CGL T1, 2016)

Useful for CGL T-1 & T-2, CPO Pre and Mains, CHSL, etc.

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In this document we have compiled Idioms & Phrases asked in

various examination held by SSC.

Some Idioms & Phrases are repeated, focus on them because they

were asked multiple times, so they have been included them multiple

times too.

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Idioms & Phrases

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1. Sweeping Statement – Thoughtless statement (SO(Audit), 1997)

2. All at sea – Puzzled (SO(Audit), 1997)

3. Enough rope – Enough freedom for action (SO(Audit), 1997)

4. By fits and start – Irregularly (SO(Audit), 1997)

5. Fell foul of – Got into trouble with (SO(Audit), 1997)

6. Token strike – Short strike held as warning (SO(Audit), 1997)

7. Face the music – Get reprimanded (SO(Audit), 1997)

8. Look down upon – Hate intensely (SO(Audit), 1997)

9. Flogging a dead horse – Wasting time in useless effort (SO(Audit), 1997)

10. Under a cloud – Under suspicion (SO(Audit), 1997)

11. Green thumb – To have a natural interest (SO(Audit), 2001)

12. Played havoc – Caused destruction (SO(Audit), 2001)

13. No love lost between – Not on good terms (SO(Audit), 2001)

14. Fair and square – Honest (SO(Audit), 2001)

15. A white elephant – Costly or troublesome possession (SO(Audit), 2001)

16. Out and out – Totally (SO(Audit), 2001)

17. On the cuff – On credit (SO(Audit), 2001)

18. Does not hold water – Cannot be believed (SO(Audit), 2001)

19. A wild goose chase – Futile search (SO(Audit), 2001)

20. In a tight corner – In a difficult situation (SO(Audit), 2001)

21. Going places – Talented and successful (SO(Audit), 2003)

22. In cold blood – A murder done without intention (SO(Audit), 2003)

23. Off and on – Occasionally (SO(Audit), 2003)

24. Hard and fast – Strict (SO(Audit), 2003)

25. Took to heels – Run away in fear (SO(Audit), 2003)

26. To keep up – To keep in touch (SO(Audit), 2003)

27. Make a clean breast – Confess without reserve (SO(Audit), 2003)

28. Heads will roll – Transfers will take place (SO(Audit), 2003)

29. Make no bones about – Do not have any hesitation in anything (SO(Audit), 2003)

30. Take after – Resembles (SO(Audit), 2003)

31. To starve off – Postpone (SO(Audit), 2003)

32. To give a piece of mind – To reprimand (SO(Audit), 2003)

33. Rest on laurels – To be complacent (SO(Audit), 2003)

34. Pay through nose – Pay an extremely high price (SO(Audit), 2003)

35. Draw on fancy – Use imagination (SO(Audit), 2003)

36. Turn an honest living – Make an legitimate living (SO(Audit), 2005)

37. Give the game away – Give out the secret (SO(Audit), 2005)

38. Cheek by jowl – Very near (SO(Audit), 2005)


Idioms & Phrases


39. Give in – Yield (SO(Audit), 2005)

40. Run riot – Act without restraint (SO(Audit), 2005)

41. Go through fire and water – Undergo any risk (SO(Audit), 2005)

42. Talking through hat – Talking nonsense (SO(Audit), 2005)

43. Put up with – Tolerate (SO(Audit), 2005)

44. By fits and starts – Irregularly (SO(Audit), 2005)

45. Reading between the lines – Understanding the hidden meaning (SO(Audit), 2005)

46. Get the sack – dismissed from (SO(Audit), 2006)

47. Pros and cons – Considering all the facts (SO(Audit), 2006)

48. By leaps and bounds – Very Quickly (SO(Audit), 2006)

49. In the good books –In favour with boss (SO(Audit), 2006)

50. In the long run – Ultimately (SO(Audit), 2006)

51. To be always one’s beck and call – At one’s disposal (ready to serve one’s master) (SO(Audit),

2006)

52. Turn a deaf year – Disregard/ignore/refuse (SO(Audit), 2006)

53. At one’s wit’s end – Puzzled/confused/perplexed (SO(Audit), 2006)

54. To fight tooth and nail – To fight in a determined way for what you want (SO(Audit), 2006)

55. The green-eyed monster – Used as a way of talking about jealousy (SO(Audit), 2006)

56. Set the record straight – Give a correct account (SO(Audit), 2007)

57. Good Samaritan – Helpful person (SO(Audit), 2007)

58. Bad blood – Angry feeling (SO(Audit), 2007)

59. To go to the whole hog – To do it completely (SO(Audit), 2007)

60. Lay out – Spend (SO(Audit), 2007)

61. Laying off – Dismissal from jobs (SO(Audit), 2007)

62. Leaps and bounds – At rapid pace (SO(Audit), 2007)

63. Spilling the beans – Revealing the information indiscreetly (SO(Audit), 2007)

64. Carry out – Execute (SO(Audit), 2007)

65. Went to the winds – Dissipated/ To be utterly lost (SO(Audit), 2008)

66. Ins and outs – Full details (SO(Audit), 2008)

67. A white elephant – A costly but useless possession (SO(Audit), 2008)

68. Fed up – Annoyed (SO(Audit), 2008)

69. In the good books – In favour with (SO(Audit), 2008)

70. Sharp practices – Dishonest means (SO(Audit), 2008)

71. In high spirits – Full of hope and enthusiasm (SO(Audit), 2008)

72. Shake in shoes – Tremble with fear (SO(Audit), 2008)

73. Fits and starts – Not regularly (SO(Audit), 2008)

74. Close shave – Narrow shave (SO(Audit), 2008)

75. Take with a grain of salt – To listen to something with considerable doubt (TA(IT & CE), 2004)


Idioms & Phrases


76. Hobson’s choice – No real choice at all (TA(IT & CE), 2004)

77. To eat a humble pie – To apologize (TA(IT & CE), 2004)

78. To give the devil his due – to give encouragement even to the enemy (TA(IT & CE), 2004)

79. Reading between the lines – looking for meanings that are not actually expressed (TA(IT & CE),

2004)

80. An open book – One that hold no secrets (TA(IT & CE), 2004)

81. An axe to grind – A private interest to serve (TA(IT & CE), 2004)

82. To blow one’s own trumpet – Praise one’s own abilities and achievements (TA(IT & CE), 2004)

83. Stand-offish – Indifferent (TA(IT & CE), 2004)

84. Sowing wild oats – Irresponsible pleasure seeking in young age (TA(IT & CE), 2004)

85. A bolt from the blue – Something unexpected and unpleasant (TA(IT & CE), 2006)

86. By leaps and bounds – Rapidly (TA(IT & CE), 2006)

87. Of no avail – Useless (TA(IT & CE), 2006)

88. On the verge of – On the brink of (TA(IT & CE), 2006)

89. A sore point – Something which hurts (TA(IT & CE), 2006)

90. Like a phoenix – With a new life/rebirth/reincarnation (TA(IT & CE), 2006)

91. To keep under wraps – Secret (TA(IT & CE), 2006)

92. Die in harness – To die at one’s work (TA(IT & CE), 2006)

93. Fair- weather friend – A friend that deserts in difficulties (TA(IT & CE), 2006)

94. Emerge out of thin air – Appear Suddenly (TA(IT & CE), 2006)

95. Cut no ice – Had no influence (TA(IT & CE), 2006)

96. Brought up – Introduce for discussion (TA(IT & CE), 2006)

97. Cannot hold a candle to – Cannot be compared to (TA(IT & CE), 2006)

98. Burn one’s boat – Leave no means of return (TA(IT & CE), 2006)

99. Make one’s flesh creep – Horrify (TA(IT & CE), 2006)

100. Pros and cons – For and against/ analysis of all the given facts (TA(IT & CE), 2007)

101. To take into account – To consider (TA(IT & CE), 2007)

102. Blow over – Pass off (TA(IT & CE), 2007)

103. Run into – Incurred/to experience difficulties (TA(IT & CE), 2007)

104. Blue-eyed boys – Favorites (TA(IT & CE), 2007)

105. Dropping names – Hinting at high connections/To mention famous people you know

or have met in order to impress others. (TA(IT & CE), 2007)

106. A Red letter day – An important day (TA(IT & CE), 2007)

107. Bone to pick – Cause of quarrel/ Bone of contention (TA(IT & CE), 2007)

108. At stone’s throw – Very near (TA(IT & CE), 2007)

109. Struck a chill to the heart – Arouse fear/to make somebody afraid (TA(IT & CE), 2007)

110. End in a fiasco –A Total/Utter failure (TA(IT & CE), 2007)

111. Fall back – To turn or move back (TA(IT & CE), 2008)


Idioms & Phrases


112. Turn up one’s nose at – To reject/despises (TA(IT & CE), 2008)

113. Turn one’s head – To feel proud in a way that other people find it annoying (TA(IT & CE),

2008)

114. High and dry – Neglected/ To leave someone helpless (TA(IT & CE), 2008)

115. Take for granted – To accept readily/ To pre-suppose as certainly true (TA(IT & CE), 2008)

116. Mince matters – To confuse issues/ to mix facts (TA(IT & CE), 2008)

117. Currying favour with – Ingratiating / trying too hard to get please somebody (TA(IT & CE),

2008)

118. Set one’s face against – Oppose strongly (TA(IT & CE), 2008)

119. Strom in a tea cup – Commotion (angry/worry) over a trivial matter (TA(IT & CE), 2008)

120. Putting one’s foot down – Asserting one’s authority/ take a firm stand (TA(IT & CE), 2009)

121. The man in the street – An ordinary man (common man) (TA(IT & CE), 2009)

122. To catch up with – To compete with (TA(IT & CE), 2009)

123. Fight to the bitter end – To fight a losing battle (TA(IT & CE), 2009)

124. Throw down a glove – To accept defeat (TA(IT & CE), 2009)

125. Read between the lines – Understanding the hidden meaning (TA(IT & CE), 2009)

126. Let the cat out of the bag – To utter a secret carelessly or by mistake (TA(IT & CE), 2009)

127. To have Too many iron in the fire – To get engage in too many enterprises at the

same time (TA(IT & CE), 2009)

128. Fall through – To fail (TA(IT & CE), 2009)

129. Cut one off, without a shilling – Disinheriting / To expel from fraternal property (TA(IT &

CE), 2009)

130. To smell a rat – To suspect a trick (Statistical Investigator, 2005)

131. Turn a deaf ear – Disobey (Statistical Investigator, 2005)

132. Have the last laugh – To be victorious at the end of an argument (Statistical Investigator, 2005)

133. Red letter day – Happy and significant day (Gala day) (Statistical Investigator, 2005)

134. To blaze a trail – To lead the way as a pioneer (Statistical Investigator, 2005)

135. To beat a retreat – To run away in fear (Statistical Investigator, 2005)

136. To steer clear of – Avoid (Statistical Investigator, 2005)

137. To get one’s own back –To get one’s revenge (Statistical Investigator, 2005)

138. To run across – To meet by chance (Statistical Investigator, 2005)

139. A dark horse – An unforeseen competitor (Statistical Investigator, 2005)

140. Put up with – Endure (Statistical Investigator, 2006)

141. Got the sack – Dismissed from (Statistical Investigator, 2006)

142. Herculean task –A work requiring very great effort (Statistical Investigator, 2006)

143. By leaps and bounds – Rapidly (Statistical Investigator, 2006)

144. Helter-Skelter – In disorderly haste (Statistical Investigator, 2006)

145. Go to the winds - Disappear (SO(CA), 2005)

146. Make ducks and drakes of – Squander (SO(CA), 2005)


Idioms & Phrases


147. On the level – Honest and sincere (SO(CA), 2005)

148. Done for – Ruined (SO(CA), 2005)

149. Make a clean breast – Confess (SO(CA), 2005)

150. To end in smoke – To come to nothing; no outcome (SO(CA), 2005)

151. To have something up one’s sleeve – Having a secret plan (SO(CA), 2005)

152. To take to one’s heel – To run away (SO(CA), 2005)

153. To turn a deaf ear – To be indifferent (SO(CA), 2005)

154. At snail’s pace – To do things very slowly (SO(CA), 2005)

155. To run one down – To disparage someone (SO(CA), 2005)

156. To blow one’s own trumpet – To praise oneself (SO(CA), 2005)

157. To face the music – To bear the consequences (SO(CA), 2005)

158. To take someone to task – To scold someone (SO(CA), 2005)

159. At one’s wit – Puzzled/Confused/Perplexed (SO(CA), 2005)

160. At stake – In danger/ that can be lost or won depending on the success of a particular

action (SO(CA), 2007)

161. To play to the gallery – To behave in an exaggerated way to attract people’s attention (SO(CA), 2007)

162. Read between the lines – Understand the hidden meaning (SO(CA), 2007)

163. Sitting on the fence – Hesitating which side to take (SO(CA), 2007)

164. No love lost between – Not on good terms (SO(CA), 2007)

165. To have not a leg to stand on – Unable to prove or explain why something is

reasonable (SAS, 2005)

166. A man in the street – An ordinary person / common man (SAS, 2005)

167. Blood running cold – Become very frightened (SAS, 2005)

168. Playing to the gallery – Befooling the common man (SAS, 2005)

169. Come out of one’s shell – To appear suddenly (SAS, 2005)

170. Lay down arms – To surrender (CPO, 2010)

171. Making hay while the sun shines – Taking advantage of a favorable opportunity (CPO,

2010)

172. Blow one’s own trumpet – To praise oneself (CPO, 2010)

173. Bear with – Support / To be patient with some body or something (CPO, 2010)

174. Give vent to – To emphasize (CPO, 2010)

175. Turn a deaf ear – Pay no attention (CPO, 2010)

176. Bone of contention – Matter of dispute (CPO, 2010)

177. Stand on own feet – To be independent (CPO, 2010)

178. By fits and starts – Irregularly (CPO, 2010)

179. Over head and ears – Completely (CPO, 2010)

180. To call it a day – To conclude proceedings (CGL T-1, 2011)

181. To put up with – To tolerate (CGL T-1, 2011)


Idioms & Phrases


182. To face the music – To bear the consequences (CGL T-1, 2011)

183. Yeoman’s service – Social work (CGL T-1, 2011)

184. To take to hearts – To grieve over (CGL T-1, 2011)

185. To smell a rat – To be suspicious (CGL T-1, 2011)

186. To move heaven and earth – to try everything possible (CGL T-1, 2011)

187. To take someone for a ride – to deceive (cheat) someone (CGL T-1, 2011)

188. In cold blood – Not intentional / Excitedly (CGL T-1, 2011)

189. A damp squib – A disappointing result (CGL T-1, 2011)

190. To bite the dust – To be defeated (CGL T-1, 2011)

191. To take to one’s heel – To run away (CGL T-1, 2011)

192. To be all at sea – Lost and confused (CGL T-1, 2011)

193. Cold Comfort – Slight satisfaction (CGL T-1, 2011)

194. A bolt from the blue – An unexpected and unpleasant event (CGL T-1, 2011)

195. To feather one’s nest – To make oneself rich (in position or in monetary terms) (CGL T-1,

2011)

196. To die in harness – To die while in service (CGL T-1, 2011)

197. To show a clean pair of heels – to escape/run away (CGL T-1, 2011)

198. To flog a dead horse –to waste one’s efforts (CGL T-1, 2011)

199. To strain every nerve – To make utmost efforts (CGL T-1, 2011)

200. A bolt form the blue – Unexpected problem (CPO, 2011)

201. Sailing in the same boat – Being in the same difficult situation (CPO, 2011)

202. Gift of the gab – Ability to speak well (CPO, 2011)

203. To keep the wolf from the door – Escape starvation (CPO, 2011)

204. Soft option – Easy and agreeable option (CPO, 2011)

205. A little gush of gratitude – Excessive enthusiasm (FCI, 2012)

206. To lose ground – To become less popular (FCI, 2012)

207. To fall back on – to fail to do something important in time (FCI, 2012)

208. To make one’s blood boil – To make somebody furious (FCI, 2012)

209. Wear and tear - Damage (FCI, 2012)

210. To add fuel to the fire – To cause additional anger (FCI, 2012)

211. Hand in glove – In close relationship (FCI, 2012)

212. To make a mountain of a molehill – To give great importance to little things (FCI, 2012)

213. To speak one’s mind – To be frank and honest (FCI, 2012)

214. Maiden speech – First speech (DEO, 2008)

215. At the eleventh hour – At the very last moment (DEO, 2008)

216. Cope with - compromise (DEO, 2008)

217. Go a long way – help considerably (DEO, 2008)

218. Gift of the gab – talent of speaking (DEO, 2008)


Idioms & Phrases


219. Standstill – Complete halt (DEO, 2008)

220. Cross swords - Disagree (DEO, 2008)

221. Pore over – Go through (DEO, 2008)

222. Make both ends meet – To live a lavish life (DEO, 2008)

223. Run down - Criticise (DEO, 2008)

224. Grease anybody’s palm – To give bribe (Stenographer, 2010)

225. Leave in the lurch – Abandon in the midway/difficult situation (Stenographer, 2010)

226. Caught red handed – At the time of committing crime (Stenographer, 2010)

227. On the brink of – On the point of (Stenographer, 2010)

228. Face the music – Face the unpleasant consequences (Stenographer, 2010)

229. Gift of the gab – Ability to speak impressively (Stenographer, 2010)

230. Go down the drain – Lose forever (Stenographer, 2010)

231. A close shave – Narrow escape from danger (Stenographer, 2010)

232. Cool as cucumber – Not nervous or emotional (Stenographer, 2010)

233. In high spirits - Cheerful (Stenographer, 2010)

234. Scapegoats - A person who is blamed for the wrongdoings with arrogant reactions (CHSL,

2010)

235. A red letter day – A day memorable for joyful event (CHSL, 2010)

236. Wears heart on sleeves – Express feelings openly (CHSL, 2010)

237. To pay off old scores – To refund old dues (CHSL, 2010)

238. Man of letters – Proficient in literary arts (CHSL, 2010)

239. Turn down - Refuse (CHSL, 2010)

240. On good terms – Agree with someone (CHSL, 2010)

241. Stole the show – Win everyone’s praise (CHSL, 2010)

242. Measure up – Reach the level (CHSL, 2010)

243. Doctor the accounts – To manipulate the accounts (CHSL, 2010)

244. Dark horse – An unexpected winner (CHSL, 2010)

245. Face the music – To bear the criticism (CHSL, 2010)

246. In the red – Losing money/to owe money (CHSL, 2010)

247. In lieu of – Despite of (CHSL, 2010)

248. Beat about the bush – Speak in a round about manner (CHSL, 2010)

249. Bring about - Cause (Stenographer, 2011)

250. Pull up - Reprimand (Stenographer, 2011)

251. At sixes and seven – In disorder or confusion (Stenographer, 2011)

252. Lose head – Panic (Stenographer, 2011)

253. Take to task – To criticize severely/ to punish (Stenographer, 2011)

254. Sit in judgement – To pass judgement(or comment on someone ) especially when you

have no authority (Stenographer, 2011)


Idioms & Phrases


255. Leave in the lurch – To desert someone (Stenographer, 2011)

256. Cry over spilt milk – Cry over irreparable loss (Stenographer, 2011)

257. Bad blood – Active enmity (Stenographer, 2011)

258. Close shave – A narrow escape (Stenographer, 2011)

259. Grease palms – To bribe someone (MT(NT), 2011)

260. Carrot and stick – Reward and punishment policy (MT(NT), 2011)

261. To cut teeth – To gain experience of something for the first time (MT(NT), 2011)

262. Cut no ice – Had no influence (MT(NT), 2011)

263. Close the book - Stop working on something (MT(NT), 2011)

264. In fits and starts - Irregularly (MT(NT), 2011)

265. Bird’s eye view – An overview (MT(NT), 2011)

266. Run in the same groove – Clash with each other (MT(NT), 2011)

267. Keep your head – Remain calm (MT(NT), 2011)

268. Pull strings – Use personal influence (MT(NT), 2011)

269. Pot luck dinner – Dinner where somebody brings something to eat (Stenographer, 2011)

270. To hit below the belt – To attack unfairly (Stenographer, 2011)

271. All at sea - Puzzled (Stenographer, 2011)

272. Sought after – Wanted by many people because it’s of good quality or difficult to

find/Pursued by (Stenographer, 2011)

273. Build castle in the air - Daydreaming (Stenographer, 2011)

274. On the spur of the moment – To act suddenly, without planning (CHSL, 2011)

275. To have something up one’s sleeve – To have a secret plan (CHSL, 2011)

276. A red letter day – An important or joyful occasion in one’s life (CHSL, 2011)

277. To explore every avenue – To try every opportunity (CHSL, 2011)

278. At one’s beck and call – Ready to follow orders/ To be dominated by someone (CHSL,

2011)

279. By fair or foul means – In honest or dishonest way (CHSL, 2011)

280. Status quo – As it is/ unchanged position (CHSL, 2011)

281. To burn candle at both ends – To be extravagant/ Spend without any worry (CHSL, 2011)

282. To hit the jackpot – To make money quickly (CHSL, 2011)

283. To bring to light – to reveal (CHSL, 2011)

284. At the eleventh hour – At the last possible moment (CHSL, 2011)

285. Go scot-free – To escape without punishment (CHSL, 2011)

286. To shed crocodile tears – To pretend grief (CHSL, 2011)

287. To look down one’s nose – To regard with contempt (CHSL, 2011)

288. To miss the bus – To miss an opportunity (CHSL, 2011)

289. A white elephant – Costly and troublesome possession, with much use to its owner (CHSL, 2011)

290. To call spade a spade – To be frank (CHSL, 2011)


Idioms & Phrases


291. To fight tooth and nail – To fight heroically, in very determined way (CHSL, 2011)

292. Birds of same feather – Persons of same character (CHSL, 2011)

293. Take exception – To object over something (CHSL, 2011)

294. High handed – Using authority in an unreasonable way, overbearing (CHSL, 2011)

295. Too fond of one’s own voice – To like talking without wanting to listen to other

people/Very selfish (CHSL, 2011)

296. By leaps and bounds – Rapidly (CHSL, 2011)

297. An open book – Straight forward and honest dealings (CHSL, 2011)

298. Fall short – Fail to meet expectation/ have no effect (CHSL, 2011)

299. Heart to heart talk – Frank talk (CHSL, 2011)

300. Give the game away – Give out the secret(unintentionally) (CHSL, 2011)

301. Take cue from – To copy what someone already did in past in order to be successful (CHSL, 2011)

302. Call for – To ask (CHSL, 2011)

303. Out of the question – Undesirable/ Not worth discussing (CHSL, 2011)

304. Run into – To meet someone accidently (CHSL, 2011)

305. End up in something – Come to nothing/ Useless (CHSL, 2011)

306. Spread like fire – Spread rapidly (CHSL, 2011)

307. Ins and outs – Full details (CHSL, 2011)

308. Dropping like flies – Collapsing in large numbers (CHSL, 2011)

309. Rat race – Fierce competition for power (CHSL, 2011)

310. Hard nut to crack – Difficult task (CHSL, 2011)

311. See eye to eye – To think in same way (CHSL, 2011)

312. Put across – To communicate your ideas, feelings, etc. successfully. (CHSL, 2011)

313. To have second thoughts – To reconsider (Constable, 2012)

314. Not my cup of tea – Not what somebody likes or interested in (Constable, 2012)

315. To break the ice – To start a conversation (Constable, 2012)

316. To eat a humble pie – To say or show sorry for a mistake that one made (Constable, 2012)

317. To add fuel to fire – To worsen the matter / To incite (CPO, 2012)

318. To burn one’s fingers – To get physically hurt (CPO, 2012)

319. At the eleventh hour – At the last moment (CPO, 2012)

320. To feel like a fish out of water – Uncomfortable situation (CPO, 2012)

321. To foam at one’s mouth – To be very angry (CPO, 2012)

322. Send packing – To tell somebody firmly or rudely to go away / Terminate service (CGL T-2,

2012)

323. Kick up a row - Make a great fuss / To complain loudly about something (CGL T-2, 2012)

324. Wet behind the ears – Young and without experience / Naïve (CGL T-2, 2012)

325. To talk someone over – To convince over (CGL T-2, 2012)

326. Wear heart on sleeves – Express emotions freely (CGL T-2, 2012)


Idioms & Phrases


327. Bury the hatchet – To make peace / To stop being unfriendly and become friends

again (CGL T-2, 2012)

328. Once in a blue moon - Rarely (CGL T-2, 2012)

329. Through thick and thin – Under all circumstances (CGL T-2, 2012)

330. Come to grief – To suffer (CGL T-2, 2012)

331. Eat anyone’s salt – To be anyone’s guest (CGL T-2, 2012)

332. Give a hand with – To help with (CPO, 2012)

333. Take to heart – To be very upset by something that somebody says or does / Serious (CPO, 2012)

334. Had better – used for telling somebody what you think he ‘should’ do (CPO, 2012)

335. Strike a bargain – To negotiate a deal (CPO, 2012)

336. Point blank – Very definite and direct (CPO, 2012)

337. Scapegoat - A person who is blamed for the wrongdoings, mistakes, or faults of others,

especially for reasons of expediency / Fall guy (CPO, 2012)

338. Kicking heels – To be relaxed and enjoy / Waste time (CPO, 2012)

339. End in smoke – Come to nothing (CPO, 2012)

340. Die in harness – Die in service/ Die while working (CPO, 2012)

341. On the horns of dilemma – In a situation where you have to make choice between

things that are equally unpleasant (CPO, 2012)

342. Hold your tongue – To be silent (CHSL, 2012)

343. No hard and fast rules – Easy regulation (CHSL, 2012)

344. Live from hand to mouth - Miserably (CHSL, 2012)

345. Turn a deaf ear – Refuse to obey (CHSL, 2012)

346. Take exception – To object (CHSL, 2012)

347. To hail from – To come from (CHSL, 2012)

348. To put an end to - Stop (CHSL, 2012)

349. By fits and starts - Irregularly (CHSL, 2012)

350. Bad blood – Feeling of hatred (CHSL, 2012)

351. Turn up – To appear (CHSL, 2012)

352. Die hard – unwilling to change (CHSL, 2012)

353. Turn down - Reject (CHSL, 2012)

354. To pass away - Die (CHSL, 2012)

355. Carry weight – Be important / Important influence (CHSL, 2012)

356. Fall flat – Fail to amuse people / Fail to produce intended effect (CHSL, 2012)

357. Under the thumb of – Under the control of (CHSL, 2012)

358. To get wind – Come to know about something secret or private (CHSL, 2012)

359. Part and parcel – An essential part of something (CHSL, 2012)

360. To give vent to – To express a feeling, especially anger, strongly (CHSL, 2012)

361. Stand by – To help/support somebody or be friend, even in difficult times (CHSL, 2012)


Idioms & Phrases


362. In black and white – In writing (CHSL, 2012)

363. At a loss – Unable / Not knowing about what to do or say (CHSL, 2012)

364. Lame excuse – Unsatisfactory explanation (CHSL, 2012)

365. Hand in glove – Working closely with someone / Very intimate (CHSL, 2012)

366. A hard nut to crack – A difficult problem or situation to solve or deal with (CHSL, 2012)

367. For better or worse - Always (CHSL, 2012)

368. From the bottom of one’s heart – To speak frankly (CHSL, 2012)

369. In a nutshell - Brief (CHSL, 2012)

370. A shot in the dark – An attempt to guess something (CHSL, 2012)

371. At the eleventh hour – At a last moment (CHSL, 2012)

372. Water under the bridge – Something that happened in the past and is now forgotten

or no longer important (CHSL, 2012)

373. Stick to guns – Hold on to original decisions (CHSL, 2012)

374. Out of hand – Out of control, at once, immediately (CHSL, 2012)

375. The salt of the earth – Very good and honest/ Kind (CHSL, 2012)

376. Talking through hat – Talking nonsense (CHSL, 2012)

377. Looking forward to – To expect something or someone (FCI, 2012)

378. Slip off – Leave quietly (FCI, 2012)

379. Get on well – Have a friendly relationship (FCI, 2012)

380. In a pickle – In an embarrassing or awkward situation (FCI, 2012)

381. Under a cloud – Being subject to suspicion (FCI, 2012)

382. As hard as nail – Emotionless / To show no sympathy, kindness or fear (CGL, 2012)

383. Allow a free hand – Complete liberty (CGL, 2012)

384. Lays out – To spend money (CGL, 2012)

385. Break down – To lose control of your feelings and start crying / Could not proceed (CGL,

2012)

386. Cut coat according to one’s cloth – Live within your means (CGL, 2012)

387. Weal and woe – Ups and downs (CPO, 2012)

388. Iron will – Strong determination (CPO, 2012)

389. To take to task - Punish (CPO, 2012)

390. Rack and ruin - Ransacked (CPO, 2012)

391. Rides the high horse – Feel superior (CPO, 2012)

392. By fits and starts – Irregularly (MTS, 2013)

393. Has a bee in one’s bonnet – To be preoccupied or obsessed with something (MTS, 2013)

394. See through – Detect / To realize the truth about someone or somebody (MTS, 2013)

395. Take after – To follow / To take care of older members of family (MTS, 2013)

396. Break up – Disband itself / The breaking up of relationship or association / The division

of larger group in smaller fragments (MTS, 2013)

397. Stand by - Support (MTS, 2013)


Idioms & Phrases


398. Bull in a China shop – A clumsy person (MTS, 2013)

399. Change colours – To turn pale (MTS, 2013)

400. Spick and span – Neat and clean / Tidy (MTS, 2013)

401. Give in – To agree to do something that you don’t want to do (MTS, 2013)

402. Leaps and bounds - Irregularly (MTS, 2013)

403. Wide off the mark - Irrelevant / Not accurate / Inadequate (MTS, 2013)

404. Out of the world – Extraordinary (MTS, 2013)

405. Sweep under the carpet – Keep hidden (MTS, 2013)

406. By leaps and bound – Very rapidly (MTS, 2013)

407. To toe the line – To follow the lead / To follow boss’s orders (MTS, 2013)

408. Stick to guns – Maintain opinion (MTS, 2013)

409. Take hat off – Encourage / To admire somebody very much for something he has done (MTS, 2013)

410. Null and void – Empty (FCI, 2013)

411. Break the ice – Initiate a talk (FCI, 2013)

412. Keep the wolf from the door – Avoid starvation (FCI, 2013)

413. Fish in troubled water – To make a profit out of troubled situation (FCI, 2013)

414. Look into – To investigate (FCI, 2013)

415. Smell the rat – Suspect that something is fishy (CGL T-1, 2013)

416. Let the grass grow under the feet – Delay in getting things done (CGL T-1, 2013)

417. Apple of discord – Cause of animosity (CGL T-1, 2013)

418. A fish out of water – In uncomfortable situation (CGL T-1, 2013)

419. In the long run – Over a period of time (CGL T-1, 2013)

420. Jumping down one’s throat – To react very angrily to somebody (CGL T-1, 2013)

421. Out of wits – Greatly confused (CGL T-1, 2013)

422. Call spade a spade – To speak in a straightforward manner (frankly) (CGL T-1, 2013)

423. Face the music – Accept the punishment (CGL T-1, 2013)

424. To play second fiddle – Take a subordinate role (CGL T-1, 2013)

425. Casting pearl before swine – Offering good things to undeserving people (CGL T-1, 2013)

426. Putting the cart before the horse – Doing things in the wrong way (CGL T-1, 2013)

427. Not fit to hold candle – Not so good as somebody or something else (CGL T-1, 2013)

428. Egg someone on – TO encourage somebody to do something (CGL T-1, 2013)

429. For good - Permanently (CGL T-1, 2013)

430. Achilles’s heel – Weak spot (CGL T-1, 2013)

431. Take a leap in the dark – To take risk (CGL T-1, 2013)

432. Cut the guardian knot – Remove difficulty / To solve problem (CGL T-1, 2013)

433. Blow one’s own trumpet – Self boasting (CGL T-1, 2013)

434. A cakewalk – An easy achievement (CGL T-1, 2013)


Idioms & Phrases


435. Not to look a gift horse in the mouth – Not to find fault with the gift received (CGL T-1,

2013)

436. Man of straw – A man of no substance (CGL T-1, 2013)

437. Born with a silver spoon – Born in a rich family (CGL T-1, 2013)

438. Let sleeping dogs lie – Not to bring up an old controversial issue (CGL T-1, 2013)

439. A month of Sundays – A long time (CGL T-1, 2013)

440. A closed book – A mystery (CGL T-1, 2013)

441. In apple pie order – In perfect order (CGL T-1, 2013)

442. Thick and thin – In spite of all difficulties (CGL T-1, 2013)

443. Wet one’s whistle – To have a drink / Moistens one’s throat (CGL T-1, 2013)

444. Bury the hatchet – Make peace (CGL T-1, 2013)

445. Cool one’s heel – To keep waiting (CGL T-1, 2013)

446. Live-wire – A person who is lively or energetic (CGL T-1, 2013)

447. Feel blue – In trouble / depressed (Constable, 2013)

448. Above board – Legal and honest (Constable, 2013)

449. Pour cats and dogs – Rain heavily (Constable, 2013)

450. For good - Permanently (Constable, 2013)

451. Iron fist – To treat people in severe manner / strictly (Constable, 2013)

452. Time and again - Always (Constable, 2013)

453. Eat humble pie – To say or show that you are sorry for the mistakes committed by you (CPO, 2013)

454. Rule the roost – Exercise authority / To be the most powerful member in the group (CPO, 2013)

455. Have something up your sleeve – Have an alternate plan (CPO, 2013)

456. Take to task – Punished / Reprimanded (CPO, 2013)

457. Feel one’s pulse – To find what one is thinking on some point (CPO, 2013)

458. Donkey’s year – A long time (CGL T-2, 2013)

459. To make things done – To manage (CGL T-2, 2013)

460. Chicken out – Withdraw / To decide not to do something because you are afraid (CGL T-2,

2013)

461. Ice braking – Starting a conversation (CGL T-2, 2013)

462. Bad hats – People of bad character (CGL T-2, 2013)

463. Give and take – Adjustment / Willingness in relationship to accept what somebody

else wants and gives up some of what you want (CGL T-2, 2013)

464. Off and on – Irregularly (CGL T-2, 2013)

465. Man of straw – A man of no substance (CGL T-2, 2013)

466. Break down – Weep bitterly (CGL T-2, 2013)

467. Get down to business – To begin work seriously (CHSL, 2013)

468. Giving a piece of one’s mind – Speak sharply / To disapprove (CHSL, 2013)

469. Go about – Go around / TO continue to do something (CHSL, 2013)


Idioms & Phrases


470. Take exception - To object at something (CHSL, 2013)

471. Picking up holes in – Finding out faults with something (CHSL, 2013)

472. To cast a die – To take a decision (CHSL, 2013)

473. Put up with – Bear patiently / To bear or endure (CHSL, 2013)

474. The gift of the gab – Ability to speak well (CHSL, 2013)

475. See through – Detect / To realize the truth (CHSL, 2013)

476. Cordon off – Isolate / To stop people from getting into an area by surrounding it with

police (CHSL, 2013)

477. Keep an open house – Welcome all members (CHSL, 2013)

478. Wet behind ears – Young and inexperienced / Naive (CHSL, 2013)

479. Pick on - Warn severely (MT(NT), 2014)

480. Fight tooth and nail – Fight with strength and fury (MT(NT), 2014)

481. Teething problems – Difficulties at the start (MT(NT), 2014)

482. A wild goose chase – Fruitless pursuit (MT(NT), 2014)

483. To get into hot water – To get into trouble (MT(NT), 2014)

484. A bolt from the blue – A complete surprise (MTS, 2014)

485. Plain sailing – Very easy (MTS, 2014)

486. Take to one’s heel – Run off (MTS, 2014)

487. To cut one short – To criticize one (CGL T-1, RE-2013)

488. Show the white flag – T o surrender (CGL T-1, RE-2013)

489. A cut above – Rather superior to (CGL T-1, RE-2013)

490. To throw dust in one’s eye – To deceive (CGL T-1, RE-2013)

491. Read between the lines – Know what the writer thinks / Know hidden meaning (CGL T-1,

RE-2013)

492. Give vent to - Express (CGL T-1, RE-2013)

493. Bring about – Cause to happen (CGL T-1, RE-2013)

494. Husband one’s resource – Save / Economical (CGL T-1, RE-2013)

495. Foam at the mouth - Angry (CGL T-1, RE-2013)

496. Keep wolf away from the door – Keep away extreme poverty (CGL T-1, RE-2013)

497. Pin money – Additional money (CGL T-1, RE-2013)

498. The Alpha and Omega – Beginning and end (CGL T-1, RE-2013)

499. Salt of the earth – Good, honest and ideal (CGL T-1, RE-2013)

500. Bring the house down – Make the audience applaud enthusiastically (CGL T-1, RE-2013)

501. Gerrymandering way – In a manipulative and unfair way (CGL T-1, RE-2013)

502. Strain every nerve – Make all efforts / Try all tricks (CGL T-1, RE-2013)

503. Hard and fast – That cannot be altered / fixed (CGL T-1, RE-2013)

504. Turn up one’s nose at - To not accept something because you do not think it is good

enough for you / To treat with contempt (CGL T-1, RE-2013)

505. Down in the dumps – Sad and depressed (CGL T-1, RE-2013)


Idioms & Phrases


506. Dot one’s I’s and cross one T’s – Be detailed and exact (CGL T-1, RE-2013)

507. All moonshine – Superficial (CPO, 2014)

508. Wild goose chase – A foolish and useless enterprise (CPO, 2014)

509. Swan song – Last prayer (at funeral or farewell) (CPO, 2014)

510. By the skin of teeth – By the narrowest margin (CPO, 2014)

511. Bury the hatchet – Make peace / Forget the quarrels (CPO, 2014)

512. Keep up with – Go at equal pace (CPO, 2014)

513. Flies off at a tangent – Start discussing something irrelevant (CPO, 2014)

514. Batten down the hatches – Prepare for a difficult situation (CPO, 2014)

515. Nail one’s colours to the mast – Refuse to climb down (CPO, 2014)

516. All might and main – With full force (CPO, 2014)

517. Red herrings – Clues intended to distract or mislead / An unimportant fact, idea, event,

etc. that takes people attention from the important ones (CPO, 2014)

518. To cut one’s coat according to one’s cloth – To live within one’s means (CPO, 2014)

519. White elephant – A costly but useless possession (CPO, 2014)

520. Look sharp – Pay attention (CPO, 2014)

521. Big draw – Huge attraction (CPO, 2014)

522. Bear down – To move quickly towards something/someone in a determined or

threatening way (CPO, 2014)

523. To put a spoke in someone’s wheel – Destroy the plan / Cause hindrance / To

prevent somebody from putting their plan into action (CPO, 2014)

524. At a stretch - Continuously (CPO, 2014)

525. Know beans about something – Well informed and intelligent (CPO, 2014)

526. To get into hot water – To get into troubles (CPO, 2014)

527. Know the ropes – Learn the procedures (CGL T-1, 2014)

528. Barking up the wrong tree – Trying to find someone ay wrong place (CGL T-1, 2014)

529. In the swim – Well informed and up-to-date (CGL T-1, 2014)

530. Rub up the wrong way – To irk or irritate someone (CGL T-1, 2014)

531. Add fuel to the fire – Worsen the situation (CGL T-1, 2014)

532. In the loop – Informed regularly (CGL T-1, 2014)

533. Hold one’s horses – To keep waiting (CGL T-1, 2014)

534. Black out – Lost consciousness (CGL T-1, 2014)

535. Cut and dry method - Honest (CGL T-1, 2014)

536. Back to the drawing board – Plan it all over again (CGL T-1, 2014)

537. In the air – Certain / Able to be firmly relied on to happen or be the case / Specific but

not explicitly named or stated (CGL T-1, 2014)

538. On the same page – Thinks in a similar way (CGL T-1, 2014)

539. Pull no punch – Speaks frankly (CGL T-1, 2014)


Idioms & Phrases


540. Going places – Talented and successful (CGL T-1, 2014)

541. Stand/Hold your ground – Refuse to yield / To continue with your opinions or

intentions when someone is opposing you (CGL T-1, 2014)

542. Put your feet down – Take a firm stand / To be very strict in opposing what somebody

wishes to do (CGL T-1, 2014)

543. Read between the line – To understand the inner meaning (CGL T-1, 2014)

544. To the letter – Paying attention to every detail / Doing or following exactly what

somebody something says (CGL T-1, 2014)

545. To carve out a niche – To work harder in order to have successful career / Develop a

special position for oneself (CGL T-2, 2014)

546. Wild goose chase – Useless search / Unprofitable adventure (CHSL, 2014)

547. In Dutch – In trouble (CHSL, 2014)

548. See eye to eye – To have the same opinion (CHSL, 2014)

549. Come to light – Been revealed / To become known to people (CHSL, 2014)

550. Around the clock – Day and night (CHSL, 2014)

551. Balloon goes up – The situation turns unpleasant or serious (CHSL, 2014)

552. Watching grass grow – Very boring (CHSL, 2014)

553. Nine day’s wonder – A dazzling short-lived spectacle of no real value (CHSL, 2014)

554. Beyond the pale – Outside commonly accepted standards (CHSL, 2014)

555. Took after – Similar to / to look or behave like an older member of your family (CHSL, 2014)

556. Throw dust into one’s eye – To deceive (CHSL, 2014)

557. Cool about working – Not tense about working / Reading to work (CHSL, 2014)

558. Salad days - Adolescence (CHSL, 2014)

559. All ears - Attentive (CHSL, 2014)

560. Maiden speech – First speech (CHSL, 2014)

561. Hold water – With logical backing / To stand up to critical examination (CHSL, 2014)

562. Other fish to fry – Some important work to attend to (CHSL, 2014)

563. A close shave – A narrow escape from danger (CHSL, 2014)

564. To tell in a nut shell – In a brief manner / Summarize(CHSL, 2014)

565. Within a stone’s throw – At a short distance (CHSL, 2014)

566. To feather one’s nest – To enrich oneself when opportunity occurs (CHSL, 2014)

567. A close-fisted person – A miser (CHSL, 2014)

568. To gather roses only – To seek all enjoyments of life (CHSL, 2014)

569. A black sheep – A person with bad reputation (CHSL, 2014)

570. To grease the palm – To bribe (CHSL, 2014)

571. For good – Permanently(CHSL, 2014)

572. An about turn – Complete change of opinion or situation (CHSL, 2014)


Idioms & Phrases


573. Make a mockery – to make something seem ridiculous or useless / No serious

outcome (CHSL, 2014)

574. Eat like a horse – Eat a lot (CHSL, 2014)

575. Go to the dogs – To be ruined (CHSL, 2014)

576. Pay on the nail – Pay promptly / Payment without delay (CHSL, 2014)

577. Penelope’s web – An endless job (CHSL, 2014)

578. At draggers drawn - Enmity (CHSL, 2014)

579. Bury the hatchet – Make peace (CGL T-2, 2014)

580. Null and void – Not binding / Having no legal force / Not binding (CGL T-2, 2014)

581. Break in - To train somebody or something in something (CGL T-2, 2014)

582. Stir up a Hornet’s nest - To create a lot of trouble (CGL T-2, 2014)

583. Second thoughts – Reconsidering the original idea (CGL T-2, 2014)

584. Average out - Balance (CGL T-2, 2014)

585. Go to the dogs – Ruin / to go to in very bad situation (CGL T-2, 2014)

586. Floored – To surprise or confuse (CGL T-2, 2014)

587. Give way - Collapse (CGL T-2, 2014)

588. Tall tales - Boasting (CGL T-2, 2014)

589. Backseat driver – A person who gives unwanted advice (CGL T-2, 2014)

590. At random - Without any aim or target (CGL T-2, 2014)

591. Break off – Suddenly stop (CGL T-2, 2014)

592. Go haywire – Become out of control (CGL T-2, 2014)

593. Above board – Honest / Without any secret (CGL T-2, 2014)

594. Feather in one’s cap – An achievement (CGL T-2, 2014)

595. Follow one’s nose – To go straight ahead (CGL T-2, 2014)

596. To latch onto – To promote (CGL T-2, 2014)

597. Fight shy of – To avoid someone/ something (CGL T-2, 2014)

598. Add fuel to the fire – Worsen the matter (CGL T-2, 2014)

599. Cock and bull story – Absurd an unbelievable story (CHSL, 2015)

600. Hold water – Seem logical (CHSL, 2015)

601. To be down to earth – To be realistic (CHSL, 2015)

602. In the nick of time – Just in time (CHSL, 2015)

603. To shun evil company – To avoid or give up bad company (CHSL, 2015)

604. Seamy side – Unpleasant and immoral (CHSL, 2015)

605. A sacred cow – A person never to be criticised (CHSL, 2015)

606. A dog’s breakfast – A total mess / A thing that has been done badly (CHSL, 2015)

607. Sail in the same boat – To be in same situation (CHSL, 2015)

608. Take the bull by the horns – to face a difficulty courageously (CHSL, 2015)

609. Shed crocodile tears – To pretend to be sympathetic (CHSL, 2015)


Idioms & Phrases


610. To be in a quandary – In a confusing situation (CHSL, 2015)

611. Take French leave – Absenting oneself without permission (CHSL, 2015)

612. To put in a nutshell – To state something very concisely (CHSL, 2015)

613. The genomes of Zurich – A slang term for Swiss bankers (CHSL, 2015)

614. To make up one’s mind – To decide what to do (CHSL, 2015)

615. To call it a day – Decide to finish working of the day (CHSL, 2015)

616. In two minds – To be undecided (CHSL, 2015)

617. Put something by – To save money for a particular purpose (CHSL, 2015)

618. On cloud nine – Extremely happy (CHSL, 2015)

619. The jury is out - No decision has been reached (CHSL, 2015)

620. Have a finger in every pie – To be meddlesome / To involved in a lot of different

activities and having influence over them (CHSL, 2015)

621. To take after – To resemble an older member of family (CHSL, 2015)

622. Flying visit – Very short visit (CHSL, 2015)

623. Telling upon – Showing effectively / Having strong effect (Constable, 2015)

624. Kith and kin - Relatives (Constable, 2015)

625. Part and parcel – Important part (Constable, 2015)

626. Beat about the bush – Circumlocution / Does not talk specifically (Constable, 2015)

627. Carry out – Complete something (Constable, 2015)

628. Take fancy – To attract or please somebody (Constable, 2015)

629. Snake in the grass – A hidden enemy (CGL T-1, 2015)

630. Make a mountain of a mole hill – Exaggerate a minor problem (CGL T-1, 2015)

631. Spill the beans – Reveal the secret information (CGL T-1, 2015)

632. Make amends for – Compensate the loss (CGL T-1, 2015)

633. Leave high and dry – In a difficult situation without help or money / Leave alone to

work / A boat in a position out of water (CGL T-1, 2015)

634. Make believe – To pretend that something is true (CGL T-1, 2015)

635. Go for the jugular – Attack all out / To attack somebody’s weaker point during a

discussion (CGL T-1, 2015)

636. Keep a level head – To remain calm and sensible in a difficult situation (CGL T-1, 2015)

637. Under the weather - Sick (CGL T-1, 2015)

638. At loggerheads – In strong disagreement (CGL T-1, 2015)

639. Go Dutch – Divide the cost (CGL T-1, 2015)

640. Alma mater – Institution where one got education (CGL T-1, 2015)

641. A closefisted man – A miser (CGL T-1, 2015)

642. As draft as a brush – Very silly (CGL T-1, 2015)

643. Rise with the lark – Get up early / To get out of bed very early in the morning (CGL T-1, 2015)


Idioms & Phrases


644. At one’s wit’s end – To be so worried by a problem that you don’t know what to do

next (CGL T-1, 2015)

645. Make a beeline – Rush / To go straight towards something as quick as you can (CGL T-1,

2015)

646. Wild goose chase – Useless search (CGL T-1, 2015)

647. A man of letters – A literary person (CGL T-1,RE 2015)

648. Horse sense – Basic common sense (CGL T-1,RE 2015)

649. Shot in the arm – Something that gives encouragement (CGL T-1,RE 2015)

650. Catch time by the forelock – Seize opportunity (CGL T-1,RE 2015)

651. Get on nerves - Annoying (CGL T-1,RE 2015)

652. Clean hands – innocent (CPO, 2015)

653. A golden mean – Middle course between two extremes (CPO, 2015)

654. Vexed question – Controversial issue (CPO, 2015)

655. Keep the wolf away from the door – To keep off starvation (CPO, 2015)

656. Out of sorts – Ill or sick / Upset (CPO, 2015)

657. Gut feeling – Strong instinct (based on feelings and emotions rather than thought and

reason) (CPO, 2015)

658. Finish with something – Be through / To have something at the end / To stop doin

something (CPO, 2015)

659. Red-letter day – An important day (CPO, 2015)

660. A close fisted man - Miser (CPO, 2015)

661. To set the Thames on fire – Do a heroic deed / To do such a work that needs a

strenuous effort (CPO, 2015)

662. Eat humble pie – To say sorry for mistakes / Suffer humiliation (CPO, 2015)

663. Play ducks and drakes – Spend lavishly / To waste or squander (CPO, 2015)

664. Be taken aback – Shocked or surprised (CPO, 2015)

665. Lay it on thick – An exaggeration / To talk about somebody or something in a way than they

really are (CPO, 2015)

666. Bird’s eye view – A overview / A general view from above (CPO, 2015)

667. To win laurels – to earn great prestige (CPO, 2015)

668. In the soup – To be in trouble (CPO, 2015)

669. Draw the line – To set a limit (CPO, 2015)

670. A bee hive – A busy place (CPO, 2015)

671. To cut the Gordian knot – To perform a difficult task (CPO, 2015)

672. Take a French leave – Being absent without permission (CGL T-2, 2015)

673. Arm-chair critic – A person who give advice based on theory not on practice (CGL T-2, 2015)

674. A chip of the old block – An experienced old man (CGL T-2, 2015)

675. Feather your nest – To make yourself richer, especially by spending money on yourself

that should be spent on something else (CGL T-2, 2015)


Idioms & Phrases


676. Throw up cards – To give in / To blow away the plan (CGL T-2, 2015)

677. Vote with your feet – Showing your disapproval (CGL T-2, 2015)

678. Dog in a manger – A selfish person (CGL T-2, 2015)

679. Chapter and verse – Providing minutes details (CGL T-2, 2015)

680. Bring down the house – Amuse the audience greatly / To make everyone cheer (CGL T-2,

2015)

681. Give a wide berth to – To stay away from or avoid someone (CGL T-2, 2015)

682. A hard nut to crack – A difficult problem to solve (CGL T-2, 2015)

683. In black and white – In writing (CGL T-2, 2015)

684. Beside the mark – Irrelevant / Not to be accurate (CGL T-2, 2015)

685. To give a piece of mind – Scolding / To tell someone that you are angry with them or

you disapprove of their behaviour (CGL T-2, 2015)

686. Give away - To distribute something(CGL T-2, 2015)

687. Fight tooth and nail – Fight with all strengths (CGL T-2, 2015)

688. Show a clean a pair of heels – To run away fast / To flee swiftly (CGL T-2, 2015)

689. All moonshine – Concocted / Superficial (CGL T-2, 2015)

690. Up to the mark – According to the required standard (CGL T-2, 2015)

691. A red letter day – An important day (CGL T-2, 2015)

692. Sit on the fence – To avoid becoming involved in deciding or influencing something (Stenographer, 2016)

693. Shake off – Forget / To get away from somebody who is chasing or following you (Stenographer, 2016)

694. Cock and bull story – A concocted or absurd story (Stenographer, 2016)

695. Pull a long face – Look dejected / An unhappy or disappointed expression (Stenographer,

2016)

696. Under a cloud –Under suspicion (Stenographer, 2016)

697. Cat-nap – Short sleep (CGL T-1, 2016)

698. To pull a long face – Look sad (CGL T-1, 2016)

699. Fit like a glove - Perfectly (CGL T-1, 2016)

700. Caught red-handed – Discovered in the act of doing (CGL T-1, 2016)

701. Gate crasher – Uninvited guest (CGL T-1, 2016)

702. To angle – To fish (CGL T-1, 2016)

703. For all intents and purposes - Practically (CGL T-1, 2016)

704. Go out of one’s way – Do everything possible (CGL T-1, 2016)

705. In the running – Has good prospects in competition (CGL T-1, 2016)

706. Beat about the bush – To say everything except the main topic (CGL T-1, 2016)

707. Make room – Make space (CGL T-1, 2016)

708. Mend your way’s – Improve one’s behaviour (CGL T-1, 2016)

709. Beggar description – Cannot be described (CGL T-1, 2016)

710. Drag one’s feet – Be reluctant to act (CGL T-1, 2016)


Idioms & Phrases


711. Hope against hope – Nurture an impossible hope (CGL T-1, 2016)

712. For keeps - Forever (CGL T-1, 2016)

713. Paled into insignificance – Seemed less important (CGL T-1, 2016)

714. With one voice - Unanimously (CGL T-1, 2016)

715. Make it light – Treat lightly (CGL T-1, 2016)

716. Every inch a gentleman - Entirely (CGL T-1, 2016)

717. A rough, violent, troublesome person - Tartar (CGL T-1, 2016)

718. To add fuel to the fire – Make thing worse (CGL T-1, 2016)

719. To take to heart – TO be greatly affected (CGL T-1, 2016)

720. To bring to light – TO reveal (CGL T-1, 2016)

721. All moon shine – Far from reality (CGL T-1, 2016)

722. At a snail’s pace - Slowly (CGL T-1, 2016)

723. Call on – Pay a visit (CGL T-1, 2016)

724. Pros and cons – Advantages and disadvantage (CGL T-1, 2016)

725. Once in a blue moon – Very rarely (CGL T-1, 2016)

726. Fish out of water – An uncomfortable position (CGL T-1, 2016)

727. Be down with – Suffering from (CGL T-1, 2016)

728. Fair-weather friend – Supports only when easy and convenient (CGL T-1, 2016)

729. Pull together – Work harmoniously (CGL T-1, 2016)

730. To bury the hatchet – to make peace (CGL T-1, 2016)

731. Selling like hot cakes – To have a very good sale (CGL T-1, 2016)

732. Scot free - Unpunished (CGL T-1, 2016)

733. To give oneself airs – Behave arrogantly (CGL T-1, 2016)

734. At a stone’s throw – At short distance (CGL T-1, 2016)

735. Bone of contention – Matter of dispute (CGL T-1, 2016)

736. To eat humble pie – To yield under humiliating circumstances (CGL T-1, 2016)

737. To end in smoke – To fail/ To end without any practical results (CGL T-1, 2016)

738. To spill the beans – To reveal a secret (CGL T-1, 2016)

739. Drive home - Emphasise (CGL T-1, 2016)

740. A left hand compliment – An ambiguous compliment (CGL T-1, 2016)

741. Cut a sorry figure – Make a poor impression (CGL T-1, 2016)

742. To take to task - Reprimand (CGL T-1, 2016)

743. Bad blood - Enmity (CGL T-1, 2016)

744. Maiden speech – First speech (CGL T-1, 2016)

745. To get cold feet - Fear (CGL T-1, 2016)

746. Beside the mark – Not to the point (CGL T-1, 2016)

747. On tenterhooks – In suspense and anxiety (CGL T-1, 2016)

748. A cuckoo in the nest – An unwelcomed intruder (CGL T-1, 2016)


Idioms & Phrases


749. A house of cards – An insecure scheme (CGL T-1, 2016)

750. To smell a rat – To suspect foul dealings (CGL T-1, 2016)

751. Old head on young shoulder – To be wise beyond one’s age (CGL T-1, 2016)

752. A wild-goose chase – Pointless search (CGL T-1, 2016)

753. Hard of hearing – To be deaf (CGL T-1, 2016)

754. Burn your boats – Do something that makes it impossible to return ro the previous

situation (CGL T-1, 2016)

755. Dressing-down – To give scolding (CGL T-1, 2016)

756. Null and void - Invalid (CGL T-1, 2016)

757. A dark horse – Unexpected winner (CGL T-1, 2016)

758. Throw cold water - Discourage (CGL T-1, 2016)

759. Butt in – Interrupt (CGL T-1, 2016)

760. Couch potato – A person who prefers to watch television (CGL T-1, 2016)

761. Carry the ball – Be in charge (CGL T-1, 2016)

762. Turn down - Reject (CGL T-1, 2016)

763. Catch a tartar – to deal with a person who is more than one’s match (CGL T-1, 2016)

764. Cap in hand – In a respectful manner (CGL T-1, 2016)

765. In the blues – Cheerless and depressed (CGL T-1, 2016)

766. Cheek by jowl – Very close together (CGL T-1, 2016)

767. Beyond the pale – Unreasonable or unacceptable (CGL T-1, 2016)

768. Blow one’s own trumpet – Praise oneself (CGL T-1, 2016)

769. Stick to guns – Maintain own opinion (CGL T-1, 2016)

770. At sea – At a loss (CGL T-1, 2016)

771. Straw in the wind – An indication of what might happen (CGL T-1, 2016)

772. Face the music – Be punished (CGL T-1, 2016)

773. Curry favours – Seek favourable attention (CGL T-1, 2016)

774. Weal and woe – Good times and bad times (CGL T-1, 2016)

775. Call in question - Challenge (CGL T-1, 2016)

776. Make both ends mean – Live within means (CGL T-1, 2016)

777. Put up the shutters – Go out of business (CGL T-1, 2016)

778. A drop in a bucket – A very insignificant amount (CGL T-1, 2016)

779. Draw a blank – Find no favour (CGL T-1, 2016)

780. To keep in abeyance – In a state of suspension (CGL T-1, 2016)

781. To be in a fix – In a difficult situation (CGL T-1, 2016)

782. To break the ice – Make people comfortable and relaxed / Start conversation (CGL T-1,

2016)

783. As daft as a brush – Extremely silly (CGL T-1, 2016)

784. In a nutshell – Briefly and concisely (CGL T-1, 2016)


Idioms & Phrases


785. Strain every nerve – Work very hard (CGL T-1, 2016)

786. Evening of life – Old age (CGL T-1, 2016)

787. Button one’s lips – Stop talking (CGL T-1, 2016)

788. Cock and bull stories – Absurd and unlikely stories (CGL T-1, 2016)

789. A live wire – Lively and active (CGL T-1, 2016)

790. Capital punishment – Death sentence (CGL T-1, 2016)

791. Leaps and bounds - Rapidly (CGL T-1, 2016)

792. Wet behind the ears – Young and without much experience (CGL T-1, 2016)

793. Under a cloud – Under suspicion (CGL T-1, 2016)

794. Get the sack – Be dismissed (CGL T-1, 2016)

795. Feather in one’s cap – A new and additional distinction (CGL T-1, 2016)

796. Donkey’s year – A long time (CGL T-1, 2016)

797. Leave no stone unturned – To try every possible way (CGL T-1, 2016)

798. A man of letters - Scholar (CGL T-1, 2016)

799. Bear in mind - Remember (CGL T-1, 2016)

800. To nip in the bud – To stop something in the starting (CGL T-1, 2016)

801. To put a spoke in one’s wheel – To hinder (CGL T-1, 2016)

802. To clip one’s wings – To deprive one of power (CGL T-1, 2016)

803. Hold up – Delay (CGL T-1, 2016)

804. To play fast and loose – To act in an unreliable way (CGL T-1, 2016)

805. Feather one’s own nest – Make money in an improper way (CGL T-1, 2016)

806. Pull a fast one – Play a trick (CGL T-1, 2016)

807. Grease the palm – To bribe (CGL T-1, 2016)

808. Turn-turtle – Complete over-turn of a situation (CGL T-1, 2016)

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